Durkan rejects FF merger claims

The SDLP is more focused on political realignment through a united Ireland than on any post-election link-up with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s Fianna Fáil, its leader insisted today.

After general and local government elections in Northern Ireland which saw the SDLP hold its three Westminster seats, hold its Assembly Election percentage vote but lose some ground to Sinn Féin, Mark Durkan insisted his party had confounded critics who had predicted meltdown for the party.